New Syracuse Crunch assistants Brad Lauer and Marty Wilford were in Syracuse this week to start settling in here, finding places to live, learning their ways around, etc. Both came into the War Memorial on Thursday to answer some questions.

The off-season is agreeing with them, as both former players looked relaxed and fit enough take the ice for a full, hard practice right then and there.

"Obviously, getting this job, after losing one (with Ottawa), it definitely takes the stress off your life,'' Lauer said. "Conditioning is a big part. Even though I'm not playing any more, staying in shape is a big part. You have to practice what you preach.''

Added Wilford, who just retired after last season: "I wish I was in great shape. I haven't visited the gym yet since I've been here. I have to stay in shape, be ready to work on the ice.''

Both coaches have spoken with head coach Mark Holick several times by phone, but said details of their exact roles won't be ironed out until September. Wilford and Lauer knew each other vaguely from their playing days, but their time spent together this week is the first they've had since they were hired.

"Where not scribbling any whiteboards yet,'' Lauer said. "We're just asking questions, the way we think. We're going to be fine. He's an ex-player. I'm an ex-player. We understand the game. We both said last night, we can't wait until the season starts.''

Crunch assistant GM Bob Ferguson was also in town, and I asked him about Anaheim hiring two assistants to replace the one that left, Mike Stapleton.

"Well, Brad is definitely experienced at this level and the NHL level,'' Ferguson said. "Bob (Murray) also wanted somebody from a defensive standpoint. That's what Marty brings. We know the importance of development.

"The end-all product is we can begin to develop a lot more players. In the salary-cap era, the importance of developing players in your organization has become more of a priority.''

- He said goalie coach Pete Peeters and roving instructors Todd Marchant and Scott Niedermayer will be spending a lot of time in Syracuse.

- He said Anaheim is probably not done signing players, most likely for the club up top. That would indirectly help Syracuse by creating more depth in the organization. He didn't know if there are any more minor league signings coming.

- I asked about the minor-league goalie competion, which could include four players for two spots (Cousineau, Pielmeier, Deslauriers, Tarkki). He noted that this is a crucial year for Timo, who is in the third and last season of his contract.

"Timo is a smart kid. I'm sure he's done the math,'' Ferguson said. "It's going to be a competitive situation. He has to come to camp in Anaheim and beat some people out of a job. But that's a good thing.''

Ferguson also expressed confidence that Tarkki, who is coming over from Finland, will be able to step in and get the job done in the Ducks system.

- Ferguson said as far as he knows, Kurtz, Salters and de Gray, all of whom the Ducks did not re-sign, are still out there looking for a job.

Were getting close to that time when things are going to start happening fast and furious in Crunchland. If you want to keep up with the news just as quickly as I find out about it, you're going to want to follow me on Twitter. Just click below to get in the loop. If you already are, tell your friends to come along. Thanks!